Race hangs on how Kerry is defined. Democrat in trouble if Bush gets upper hand

Detroit News ^ | March 5, 2004 | James O'Toole

[FairOpinion]

Real-world events and results will trump campaign tactics in determining voter attitudes toward President Bush between now and November, politicians and analysts note, but for his challenger, it could be a different story.

The competition for president that entered a new phase with John Kerry

[FairOpinion]

This is why I would like to see some hard hitting Bush ads, showing what Kerry is really like: a liberal socialist, soft on the war on terror and security of the nation, a political opportunist, who takes on any stand for his personal advancement.

Oh, yes, he is also a gigolo, living off of women.

[Betaille]

"a liberal, soft on the war on terror and security of the nation"
That is the election right there. But unfortunately the Bush campaign is still totally asleep, it's painful to watch.

[zarf]

Oh, yes, he is also a gigolo, living off of women.

That's the only thing I admire the guy for.

[longtermmemmory]

Kerry has defined himself as the "Gay" Candidate


Protecting Gay and Lesbian Families
John Kerry believes that same-sex couples should be granted rights, including access to pensions, health insurance, family medical leave, bereavement leave, hospital visitation, survivor benefits, and other basic legal protections that all families and children need. He has supported legislation to provide domestic partners of federal employees the benefits available to spouses of federal employees. He was one of 14 Senators -- and the only one up for reelection in 1996 -- to oppose the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Lifting the Ban on Gays in the Military
John Kerry opposed the Clinton Administration’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy” He was one of a few senators to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee and call on the President to rescind the ban on gay and lesbian service members.

Support for Civil Unions
John Kerry supports same-sex civil unions so that gay couples can benefit from the health benefits, inheritance rights, or Social Security survivor benefits guaranteed for heterosexual couples.


from: http://www.johnkerry.com/issues/glbt/

The democrat party has defined themselves as the "gay" party.
These are print ads that have ALREADY RUN.
Note the ads are approved by the DNC.





from: http://www.democrats.org/glbt/ads.html




They have defined themselves long before GW Bush got a chance.

[tkathy]

For three years, the dims have been busy defining Bush as an idiot, dumb, etc. The reps must define Kerry also.

[longtermmemmory]

Did you miss the howling from the new ad campaign?

Bush made something hurt.

[FairOpinion]

Did you watch the ads -- they are really not very good, but they do, in a very subtle way, hint at issues like the security of the nation.

Initially the Dems ignored them, because they really are not very effective, but then they got their talking points, that they mustn't let anything slide, so they are making a big deal about any discussion of 9-11 or terrorism.

I think they are doing it not because they are that concerned about these ads, but to stop Bush from producing some really effective ones regarding the main issue facing the country: the threat of terrorism and Bush's superb leadership in dealing with it.

You can go here and watch the ads. They really are very bland and low key.

http://www.georgewbush.com/tvads/

[Betaille]

"Bush made something hurt."

Thats not really what happened, but it was a success none-the-less. What happened was that the Dems had a pre-planned response for what to do when 911/terrorism became an issue in an ad. However, since the ad is clearly totally benign and almost apolitical, the tactic didn't work. Now it has backfired because the democrats have just squandered their "he's politicizing 9/11" moment of glory. The DNC couldn't tell their pawns to hold their fire in time. Shock and Awe strategy works again!

[Betaille]

"They really are very bland and low key."

Absolutely, but due to the Democrats blunder/lack of restraint... Bush now has a free-hand to use 9/11 in ads at will, since the Dems jumped the gun on accusing him of politicizing it. Bush better start on the National Security ads NOW though. Just one ad could do it... Comparison between Bush and Kerry on Defense/National Security. It would be inexpensive to get attention with and would frame the debate for the next 8 months.

[stands2reason]

Democrats.org tried to slip me two cookies when I loaded this page. Do you know why?

[FairOpinion]

Here is an ad I like, which Bush probably couldn't use:

[Betaille]

I actually don't like that poster because it is going easy on Kerry to call him a "9/10 president". Even on 9/10 he was considered radically anti-military and extreme by those who know his record.

[longtermmemmory]

I saw them and I liked them.

I saw them as the first hand of a poker game. The point of the add was the images and "I am George Bush and I approved this advertisement."

The point was to show HE was calling the shots.

He bluffed the Dems and they showed their pre-canned shots.
The use of 9/11 hysterics is exposed.
The Dems are not pegged as wanting people to forget 9/11

The democrat reaction to this was anticipated and WANTED.
He bluffed and they fell for it. PSYCH!

[FairOpinion]

"Democrats.org tried to slip me two cookies when I loaded this page. Do you know why?"

===

Hmmm. I wonder how they did that? Did they somehow get in the back door to FR, to try to monitor who posts here?

I checked and didn't have any attempts.

Could your computer be the problem?

[longtermmemmory]

not pegged=NOW pegged

[longtermmemmory]

could be the pictures I linked?

[FairOpinion]

"I am George Bush and I approved this advertisement."


==

I heard on TV that this is actually a requirement for candidates, part of the new election law -- I noticed in the CA primary ads too.

[Betaille]

"He bluffed and they fell for it. PSYCH!"
This is the Shock and Awe strategy translated into campaigning. Make the enemy think an unprecedented and overwhelming attack is about to take place on him... then give him a tap to make him Mis-react. It worked on Saddam, and it just worked on Kerry.

[FairOpinion]

That's it, it could be the pictures.

I noticed that when there are links to pictures on the page, it goes to those sites, and some of them try to give you a cookie, because you are accessing their site.

I have all cookies blocked, except for selected websites.

[longtermmemmory]

It is required BUT usually candidates burry it in the fine print. That is all that is required. It is clever to put it in front AND to give it its own video to go with it. (Dramatic GWBush walking alone at WH)

It was not placed as an afterthought or a requirment. Its placement in front and production was very deliberate.